What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caging
Example
The zookeeper was caging the new arrival, ensuring its safety. [caging: present participle]
Example
They were caging the birds to transport them to a new location. [caging: gerund]
captivity
Example
The lion spent years in captivity before being released into the wild. [captivity: noun]
Example
The hostages were held in captivity for months before being rescued. [captivity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Captivity is more commonly used than caging in everyday language. Captivity is a broader term that can be applied to various situations, such as animals in zoos or humans in prisons. Caging, on the other hand, is more specific and often used in the context of confining animals in cages or enclosures.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between caging and captivity?
Both caging and captivity are generally used in informal contexts. However, captivity can also be used in more formal settings when discussing the confinement of animals or the imprisonment of individuals.
